Grandma’s Disappearing Cherry Pie Bars in Just 40 Minutes

6 de July de 2025

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Cherry pie bars are one of those desserts that just scream “home,” you know? This recipe is straight from my grandma’s kitchen, and I can almost smell the sweet cherries and buttery crust every time I make them. What makes these little squares of heaven special? A hint of almond extract—trust me, it takes them to a whole new level. These aren’t just any cherry dessert; they’re bursting with a sweet and tart flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect as easy cherry pie bars for potlucks, or any get-together, really. So, if you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing treat, you’ve found it. Let’s bake!

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bars

That sweet and tart cherry flavor? It’ll absolutely delight your taste buds!
Quick prep time means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying these **cherry pie bars**.
Budget-friendly ingredients mean baking a delicious dessert won’t break the bank.
They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a simple homemade cherry dessert after dinner!
Super easy to customize with different fruit fillings – get creative!
They’re a comforting classic that everyone, young and old, genuinely enjoys.
The simple baking method makes these cherry squares great for beginners – no stress!

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Trust me, use the real stuff! Real butter gives the best flavor; margarine just doesn’t cut it.)
1 cup granulated sugar (Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps give the bars their lovely structure.)
2 large eggs, room temperature (This is important! Room temperature eggs incorporate into the batter so much better, giving you a smoother texture.)
1 teaspoon almond extract (My secret weapon! This *really* enhances the cherry flavor. Make sure you use pure extract for the best results.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Adds a little bit of depth and warmth to the overall flavor.)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (This is what gives the bars their structure and keeps everything together.)
½ teaspoon salt (Balances out the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.)
1 (21 ounce) can premium cherry pie filling (Don’t skimp here! A high-quality filling will make a HUGE difference in flavor and texture. I always go for the good stuff.)
For glaze: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (This is what makes the glaze smooth and sweet – the perfect finishing touch.)
1 teaspoon almond extract (We’re doubling down on that almond flavor in the glaze – yum!)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (Just a little to complement the cherry and almond.)
Milk, as needed (You’ll need a splash or two to get the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. Just add it slowly until it looks right!)

How to Make Cherry Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, don’t skip this! It ensures even baking, so your homemade cherry dessert comes out perfectly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your electric mixer comes in handy! You want it nice and airy, which makes for a tender crumb in these easy cherry pie bars.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Oh, that smell! It should be incredibly fragrant already.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! I always say, a few streaks of flour are better than tough bars.
Step 5: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. This forms the base of your delicious cherry squares; make sure it’s packed down nicely.
Step 6: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust. That vibrant red color is just begging to be baked!
Step 7: Dollop the remaining dough over the cherry filling. It doesn’t need to be perfect; a rustic, uneven look is totally charming. Think little mounds of buttery goodness!
Step 8: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The whole house should smell amazing at this point! Keep an eye on them; ovens vary.
Step 9: Let the **cherry pie bars** cool *completely* in the pan before cutting. This is crucial! I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but they’ll crumble if you don’t wait.
Step 10: Prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. I like mine on the thinner side, but you do you!
Step 11: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Get creative! I like to do a zig-zag pattern.
Step 12: Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy every last bite of these amazing **cherry pie bars**!

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Bars

Want to take your **cherry pie bars** from good to *amazing*? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little things make a big difference in this homemade cherry dessert!

What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Pie Bars?

Okay, this is a bit of a chefy secret, but it works wonders! For the flakiest, most tender crust, use a mix of cold butter *and* shortening. Pulse them together in a food processor until crumbly, then add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. It’s seriously next-level for your **cherry pie bars**.

Can I make Cherry Pie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These **cherry pie bars** are fantastic for meal prep. Just bake them, let them cool completely (very important!), and then store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I always recommend glazing them right before serving to keep that glaze looking fresh and glossy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Pie Bars?

The biggest mistake I see people make is overmixing the dough. Seriously, be gentle! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which results in tough, chewy bars instead of that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you want. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until *just* combined, and you’ll be golden for these delicious cherry squares.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Pie Bars

Serve your cherry pie bars however your heart desires! I think they’re incredible served slightly warm, but they’re just as delightful at room temperature. Honestly, you can’t go wrong. If you want to get a little fancy, try serving them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream – the contrast of warm bars and cold ice cream is just heavenly! For a more elegant touch, dust them with powdered sugar or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These easy cherry pie bars are absolutely perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just as a simple and satisfying homemade cherry dessert after dinner. Oh, and trust me, they pair *beautifully* with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. You’ll love it!

Cherry Pie Bars - detail 2

Nutrition Facts for Cherry Pie Bars

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s what you can expect, per serving (and remember, these are just estimates!):

Calories: (UNKNOWN)
Fat: (UNKNOWN)
Protein: (UNKNOWN)
Carbohydrates: (UNKNOWN)
Fiber: (UNKNOWN)
Sugar: (UNKNOWN)
Sodium: (UNKNOWN)

Please note that these nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use in your homemade cherry dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Pie Bars

Alright, you’ve made these amazing cherry pie bars… if you have any leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting their best! I always say, proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade cherry dessert days later.

First, make sure the bars are completely cool. Then, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll happily sit at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can stash them in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’re thinking longer term, freezing is the way to go! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months – perfect for a little sweet treat whenever the craving hits.

When you’re ready to dig in again, you’ve got options! Thaw the frozen bars in the fridge overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you want that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. It’ll bring back that gooey, delicious texture like magic!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Pie Bars

Got questions about making the perfect cherry pie bars? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with my tried-and-true tips for baking success with this easy cherry dessert.

Can I use a different type of pie filling for these bars?

Absolutely! While I adore the classic cherry flavor in these cherry pie bars, you can definitely swap it out for other pie fillings. Apple, blueberry, or even a rich chocolate filling would be delicious. Just keep in mind that the baking time will remain the same, regardless of the filling you choose. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors! I once tried it with peaches, and it was divine!

What about using fresh cherries instead of canned?

Using fresh cherries is a great idea, but it does require a bit more prep. You’ll need to pit and cook them down with some sugar and a thickener (like cornstarch) until you get a pie-filling consistency. Honestly, for the ease and convenience, I usually stick with canned for these cherry pie bars, but fresh can be amazing if you’re up for it!

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Soggy crust? No one wants that! The key to a crispy crust on these cherry pie bars is to make sure you let them cool completely before cutting. This allows the filling to set and prevents moisture from seeping into the crust. Also, make sure your cherry pie filling isn’t overly watery – if it seems too thin, you can drain off some of the excess juice before spreading it on the crust.

Does blind baking the crust help prevent sogginess?

Blind baking isn’t usually necessary for this recipe, because the baking time is sufficient to cook the crust through, but if you are worried about a soggy bottom, you could par-bake the base for 10 minutes or so before adding the cherry filling. I’d only do this if you’re having consistent issues with sogginess, though – it’s generally not required when making these homemade cherry desserts.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can definitely make gluten-free cherry pie bars! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I’ve found that Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works really well. You might also want to add a binder like xanthan gum to help improve the texture, as gluten-free flours can sometimes be a bit crumbly.

Will almond flour work as a substitute for the all-purpose flour?

While you could use almond flour to replace *some* of the all-purpose flour, I wouldn’t recommend using it as a 1:1 substitute. Almond flour has a different texture and absorbs liquid differently, so it could result in a denser, more crumbly crust. If you want to experiment, try replacing about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor, but stick with a gluten-free blend for the best results in your cherry pie bars.

Variations of Cherry Pie Bars You Can Try

Want to mix things up? These cherry pie bars are super versatile! Here are a few fun twists you can try to make them your own. I love experimenting with this cherry dessert and putting my own spin on things!

Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Bars: Got gluten sensitivities? No problem! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. And double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free, too!
Vegan Cherry Pie Bars: Yep, you can totally make these vegan! Swap out the butter for your favorite vegan butter, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg – let it sit for a few minutes to thicken).
Chocolate Cherry Pie Bars: Chocolate and cherry? A match made in heaven! Add about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey kick. You can also toss some chocolate chips into the cherry filling for extra indulgence. This is one rich cherry dessert!
Almond Crumb Topping Cherry Pie Bars: Instead of dolloping the remaining dough on top, try making a delightful almond crumb topping. Mix the remaining dough with some almond flour and extra butter until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it over the cherry filling before baking for a crunchy, nutty twist on these delicious cherry squares!